Monday, July 16, 2012

Day 16 - Mythology

Last week we had a conference on the topic of popular
mythology in Galicia. Galicia, located in the north western part of the country
has historical influences from parts of the world that did not influence the
majority of the peninsula. Much of this influence is Celtic and as such, many
of the mythological stories come from that area of the world.

One aspect of this mythology that was discussed was the idea
of the “Moura.” A moura, is a beautiful enchantress who tempts individuals with
the promise of treasures. The word is thought to be derived from MOR – rock and
MORS MORTIS – dead as well as OURO - gold. The Mouras are thought to live
beneath large tomb-like rocks and they also thought to guard treasures of gold.

This is a legend that is prolific in both Galicia and
Portugal and has many different variations. In some the Moura will turn into a
snake, in others she remains a woman. In a few cases she is an older woman but
in most she is young. She has been portrayed as a pregnant mother, a
washerwoman and a princess.

Another legend is the Santa Compaña, which is a procession
of the dead which occurs after midnight. The spirits travel through the
villages and visit the houses in which people will soon pass away. This is a
story that was prolific in the time before electric lights and has faded in
popularity since, although there are still people who reference the Santa Compaña
when they see people traveling by night.

If you like mythology, folklore and other legends, the
stories from the Galego culture are quite fascinating in that they incorporate
many Celtic aspects as well as later Catholic influences. It is quite unlike
folklore from other parts of Spain.